Skiing Newbie? Time to Head to Tahoe

We all have to start somewhere, so if you’re looking to take those first tentative steps to become a snowboarder or skier, a half-dozen winter resorts in the Truckee-North Lake Tahoe area are once again giving newbies the chance at a very reasonable rate.

Over the weekend of December 10-11, first-time skiers and snowboarders can get equipment, lessons and a restricted all-day lift ticket for $30 at Alpine Meadows, Boreal Mountain Resort, Grablibakken Resort, Northstar, Squaw Valley or Sugar Bowl.

“We think this is a great way to introduce people to the skiing and snowboard product,” said Pettit Gilwee, a spokesperson for North Lake Tahoe, an association of various visitor and resort associations from around the north end of Big Blue. “Hopefully, they will come back and become enthusiasts of the sport.”

Over the past 12 years, the promotion has introduced more than 24,000 never-evers to skiing or snowboarding.

What the resorts are hoping in return for this very generous offering – many first-time lift/gear/lesson packages during the rest of season can vary widely, from $65 (Granlibakken) to $119 (Squaw Valley) – is getting them hooked on the sport. And most resorts will offer bounce-back deals to the newbies for a return visit.

“The resorts feel this is a phenomenal deal if it gets the first-timers back on the hill,” Gilwee said.

There’s no need to make reservations to take advantage of the Learn to Ski and Board Weekend; simply show up at the resort of choice -- preferably earlier than later in the day -- head for the ticket booths and state your intent.

Log on to GoTahoeNorth.com for further information and to obtain deals on lodging and dining.